Monty Noble, born on 22 June, 1873, was one of the best all-rounders to grace the game of cricket. He was a fine batsman, who bowled medium pace and off-spin. Moreover, during the later part...Full profile

Monty Noble, born on 22 June, 1873, was one of the best all-rounders to grace the game of cricket. He was a fine batsman, who bowled medium pace and off-spin. Moreover, during the later part of his career, he was known as a good captain, too.

Interestingly, during his childhood days, Noble showed more inclination towards singing solos in the choir and was a frequent visitors to churches. But, after a period of time, he started to look at cricket more as a profession.

He came through the ranks quickly and performed creditably for Paddington. He toured New Zealand with the New South Wales squad in 1894, but couldn't exactly make his mark. Even when he made his debut for New South Wales in 1894-95, he struggled to make an impression.

It was in January 1897 that Noble finally showed glimpses of his immense skill when he amassed a century against Victoria in Sydney. The opposition attack consisted of spin twins, Roache and Trumble.

Noble also had a good time against AE Stoddart's XI. This time around, he made his presence felt with the ball in hand. He took a 5-for and that included the key wicket of Ranjitsinhji. This helped him to find a place in Test match against England at the MCG.

It wasn't an auspicious start for Noble as after looking in decent touch, he shouldered arms to Tom Richardson and his off-stump was uprooted. He is believed to have said: “I suppose after such a silly display they’ll never pick me for Australia again.” Fortunately for Noble and Australia, he went on to play a stellar role with the ball in that Test.

In the second innings, he got the ball to hoop around the corners and also used the off-cutter to trouble the batsmen. He curiously held the seam between his forefinger and the thumb. He picked up a six-for and it is hard to forget that Ranjitsinhji was again one of his victims. The great batsman found it difficult to counter the one that cut back into him from Noble. This was the performance that allowed Noble to establish his place in the side.

When Australia toured the Old Blighty in 1899, he put up consistent performances both with bat and ball. In particular, his twin fifties in Old Trafford made sure the visitors would draw the game.

In the 1901-02 Ashes series, Noble touched great heights at the MCG by snaring 7 for 17 in the first innings on what was a sticky wicket. He took a five-for in the second essay, too, and ended up with a 10-wicket haul. In the Test at the SCG, he played a pivotal role by composing a fifty and snaffling a five-for.

The only hundred of Noble's career came in the 1902-03 Ashes when he compiled a hundred at the SCG. England though, won that Test by five wickets. Noble was then appointed as the captain of his state, NSW.

However, from nowhere, he suddenly found himself in the midst of a controversy. Jack Worrell, who once played for Australia and the then captain of Victoria, accused Noble of chucking. To make matters worse, in a First-Class game, Noble had to walk out with Worrell for the toss. It was the young Armstrong, who supported Noble by refusing to play under his captain Worrell. Eventually Worrell withdrew.

In 1907-08, he was appointed as Australia's skipper and led them to a triumphant 4-1 victory in the Ashes. On a few occasions, he showed that he went as per his gut feeling. In the 1909 Ashes, his gamble of using Charlie Macartne paved the way for Australia's victory.

Unfortunately, that series in England turned out to be the last time Noble played for his country. In fact, Noble had his problems with the board and and that played a role in him hanging up his spiked boots and retiring from the game. After retiring from the game, he took up dentistry as a profession.